The Decade of the 1970’s at ZHSWhen you think of ZHS in the 1970s, the
headlines shout, “year-round school system, a new facility, the
end of innocence, honor in politics, social conflict and change with
rules that moved from rigid to free!” Life at ZHS in the 1970’s brought a change of venue—namely a new physical plant and transition from a small-town protected coziness to a multifaceted diverse population. In April 1975, ZHS students moved into a new 3 million dollar facility—designed by architect, Eoghan (Owen) N.Kelley. Bernie Wickstrom of the local newspaper said, “the school has wide curving halls, a large student commons area with a stage, a raised cafeteria and a sunken media center.” The principal said of the moving day— …“it will be a busy day Wednesday of next week when ZHS moves into a new 3 million educational plant on the Hercules property on 12th street.” This school had been planned for some time and
was needed to accommodate phenomenal growth. A new facility
had been proposed by P.H. Murphy, school board member from Zephyrhills,
in November 1970 who advocated the school board sell 40 acres of
the Hercules Tract and use it to build a new school. Population
growth also occurred in the younger ages and a new school, Woodland
Elementary, was opened on the same campus as ZHS in February of 1978. To address the burgeoning school growth, a
year-round school system, an extended school year, came in the
fall of 1973. An extended school year committee was appointed by
the Pasco Superintendent Rodney Cox and the committee recommended that
Pasco County adopt the 45-15 Plan for year round schools. Schools
started double sessions in 1971 with 1000 students at the high school
(up from 854 students enrolled the previous year), and the county was
desperate to find some relief. The growth was steady throughout the
decade and graduating classes were larger also. The 1975 ZHS
graduating class was almost 50 percent larger than the 1974 class going
from 111 to 163. Begun in 1973, the 45-15 extended school year
program (a system in which students attended school within one of four
geographical tracts on a 45 day attendance/15 day vacation interval
with three of the four tracts in school session at all times, rotating
among the four) was innovative and did serve to educate students at a
time when school buildings to house them were just not adequate. It had
some inherent implementation problems at the high school
level…causing several teachers to leave the school and
eventually becoming quite unpopular with school stakeholders. By
1977 at the conclusion of the 45-15 extended school year, Principal
Stewart congratulated the seniors of 1977 on their accomplishments in
the four years they attended the School. Stewart commented that times
had been tough for them because of 45-15. He said, we’ will not
miss 45-15 but we will miss the class. The country experienced some upheavals in the decade of the 1970s. The Watergate scandal was in the news and affected perceptions of everyday events. Ironically as the US was coming to terms with unethical behavior in national politics and felt some disillusionment, Pasco Schools and particularly Zephyrhills were experiencing examples of sportsmanship in politics that were somewhat unparalleled with a political gracefulness and wisdom that was displayed by Raymond Stewart, Tom Weightman and James E. Davis. The ZHS principal received the following news:
The appointment of ZHS Principal, Ray Stewart, came in the aftermath of
the rather sudden death of School Superintendent Rodney B. Cox.
Tom Weightman, a political rival of Ray’s had been acting as
superintendent in the months following the death of Cox, until the
official appointment of Stewart. James E. Davis who had been a
member of the ZHS faculty since 1966, and was officially appointed
principal of ZHS. Just eighteen months later however, Weightman
and Stewart were opponents in a political election in which Weightman
was victorious. The ZHS faculty was in the precarious position of
supporting Stewart, their longtime leader in the election, and the
tension was very real on campus as teachers feared there might be
repercussions from their political support. Both Weightman and
Stewart proved to be outstanding leaders but they were particularly
admirable in their treatment of one another. Although political
rivals, they respected each other and continued to work closely
together. Both were careful to make sure the other had a
professional position. After Ray’s defeat in the
Superintendent’s race, he returned to ZHS and new principal,
James E. Davis, graciously assumed the junior high principalship.
History has to judge all three of these individuals-Stewart, Weightman
and Davis as true gentlemen of character and all three served as role
models for the school! The end of the Vietnam War and the re-entry of veterans was a challenge. These turbulent times impacted the country’s self-concept. At ZHS reactions to these events were felt as well. While eroding of political pride affected the country so—there was a similar end of innocence that came to ZHS. A devastating traffic accident in 1973 took the life of a community patriarch and a significant part of the Reutimann Racing Team of Zephyrhills legend— tragically killed were Emil Booby Reutimann, himself a ZHS graduate of 1931, and his son, Dale Reutimann, a June 1973 ZHS Graduate and a ZHS sophomore, Gordon Stone—all of whom were returning from a race. The school stood still in collective grief. The author began teaching at ZHS the following summer, and recalls that teachers and students could not talk of the event many months later without tears and emotion. The city of Zephyrhills issued a proclamation in their honor and the school was impacted tremendously. To add to this tragic timeframe, in the summer of 1972 a car struck down the popular ZHS junior class president, Karl Wickstom, on his bicycle, on Fort King Highway. The repercussions of yet another tragedy reverberated through the town double-fold as Karl was the son of Bernie Wickstrom, the loyal news reporter and school activist/stakeholder. Bernie printed the Zephyrhills Bulldogger for over twenty years and covered every school event, often editorializing on decisions and directions of the school. Yet today, these tragedies are recalled with pain and yearning and from a historical perspective, they served to end the naive belief of a generation of youth of the immortality they often feel and the sense of invincibility, and certainly to impact the character of the school. This was the age of the mini-skirt and it became symbolic for a change in social norms, even at ZHS. At the beginning of the decade, there was a rigid view of rules and their application. Mrs. Alpha Gill, ZHS Dean of Girls, told the local newspaper that it had become necessary to set standards since a few students were unwittingly attiring themselves in immodest skirts. She said:
ZHS was concerned about the mini-skirt and the ZHS PTA formed a
committee of parents to make recommendations and advise the school,
most of which fell on Mrs. Gill to enforce the modesty. Rules
moved across the spectrum gauge however by the end of the decade.
In fact by 1978, the school had implemented its own student smoking
area, and allowed students to smoke cigarettes on school campus. Curriculum was flexible in the 1970s. In the
mid 1970s, quarter long classes (nine weeks in length) were in place
and numerous creative elective courses were offered. Yours truly
taught six subjects in 1974 which included a course in Philosophy,
Major Religions, Minor Religions, Psychology, Sociology, and
Government. Vocational classes continued on the rise and by
1972, 60% of total school population was in vocational educational
programs at ZHS. The arts were celebrated in the 1970s and with
the preponderance of electives, there was room in student schedules for
art and music. The ZHS art program flourished under Judy Mason
and the new band director, Paul Steuart, carried on the traditions of
John T.V. Clark. He incorporated several annual band trips—1976
march at Kennedy Space Center, 1974 trip to the Apple Blossom
Parade in Winchester Virginia. The band was also an integral part
of the Homecoming celebration which had grown larger and more creative
every year with parades, contests between the classes, and homecoming
dances. With the new school, graduations occurred in
the commons area of the school plant but the air conditioners were
taxed beyond capacity, more and more each year. The 1979
commencement was an outdoor ceremony which was held in the brand new
football stadium. The principal remarked that the stadium would hold
1,800 on the home side so seating would be plentiful. He had not
anticipated that there would be some frolicking by the graduates to the
tune of a string of firecrackers at the conclusion of the ceremony, and
this was in fact, the last outdoor graduation to date. Noteworthy stars of the decade were many. A particular star of the decade was 1971 graduate, Lois Ann Wells, who became a star in the world renowned Rockettes Dance Troupe at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Joyce Stover Statts, also a Miss Zephyrhills, was quite an activist at the school and also entertained at the school and in the community as an accomplished ventriloquist with her dummy, Wesley. Title IX was passed in 1972 and
brought a revolution to school sports with the inclusion of women in
sports program. Title IX basically said that no person in the United
States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from
participation. Irene Graf, a ZHS 1970 graduate was quite renowned
as a pioneer in women’s rights—she was the first woman
commander of the ROTC Corps at the University of Florida when she was a
senior chemistry major (a squadron of 166 males and 16 women) and then
went on to be a member of the first group of girls admitted to the Air
Force Academy in 1976.
The United States 1976 bicentennial was
celebrated across the country —two history classes combined to
present a Bicentennial program at the Pasco Fair on in February 1976
with a slide show by Terry’ Turner’s U.S history class and
a play by Madonna Wise’s government class. Perhaps the bicentennial spawned patriotism
but irregardless of the motivation, numerous outstanding students
were admitted to the military academies in the decade, namely: Mike Cox
in 1973 to Air Force Academy; Scott Boyd in 1977 to West Point; Aaron
Gray to Annapolis in 1979 and James Whitacre to Air Force Academy in
1977. These boys were hometown heroes and we followed their
success; when Scott Boyd appeared on the televised USO show with Bob
Hope as the cadet selected to cut Hope’s birthday cake, we all
smiled collectively at ZHS. The news also reported that the class of 1978
had six Eagle Scouts (relating that the average was one Eagle for every
300 scouts, making ZHS way above the national average). Eagle Scouts
were Homer E. Brooks, III, Bruce W. Clark, Jeffrey A. DeWitt, Willie T.
Quick, Jr., Michael Schaffner, and James K. Waddey. Sports stars included Paul White who set a new
school record for the 2-mile run and was recruited by Oral Roberts
University. Track and football quarterback, Wendell Maple, broke
a seven year school record in the discus throw in 1977. With
football growing in significance at ZHS, Defensive back, Dennis Farr
was named a member of the Class 2A All State football team selected by
the Florida Sportswriters Association in January 1976 and Coach Alan
Knight was ecstatic. The 1970 ZHS baseball team went to the state
championship and pride still reigns for Ricky Giles, Rick Moore,
Keathel Chauncey, Rubin Pickett, Bill Porter, Jeff Brown, Cliff Brown,
and John Harrelson. To add to this joy, Keathel Chauncey was drafted
after high school by the Los Angeles dodgers and became one of the
first ZHS professional athletes. The ZHS Girls Golf Team won the Class 2A State Championship in 1978. Andra Douglas, the number one player went on to be a star on the national championship women’s ruby team at FSU in 1983 and became Creative Director of Money Magazine. Later she was the first woman quarterback of the New York Sharks Professional Women’s Football Team, which at this writing (2007) she owns in New York City. Ray Stewart, the Principal, was also a local hero at a July 1, 1976 school bus driver picnic at the home of J. W. Williams. When a child was in distress in the pool, he saved the teen’s life. The news report read:
Although PTA was less prominent in the 1970s, parents were still involved at ZHS. As issues arose, they were involved. The school dealt with the same social issues as the remainder of the country. Racial unrest came to light a few times in the 1970’s In 1970, Mr. Stewart called a parent meeting and dealt with the following issue in an effective manner.
A dominant theme of the 1970’s was school integration. Pasco and Zephyrhills were indicative of the State of Florida in their reluctance to quickly embrace school integration. The process had been set into motion by the Supreme Court in its 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education, ruling that African-American schools provided inferior education services to white schools. A ruling in 1955, Brown II, dictated that placing black and white students in the same school was to be done at “all deliberate speed.” At the time of the 1954 decision, laws in 17 states (including Florida) required that elementary schools be segregated. Little progress was made in addressing the federal ruling until a few parents, including some in the neighboring counties of Pinellas and Hillsborough, sued their school districts. Eventually also the US passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed school segregation. Integration progressed slowly, and by 1967, 22% of African-American students in the south were in integrated schools.
School integration came to Pasco County in 1970. The Pasco School
Superintendent, Chester Taylor, oversaw the desegregation of the
schools. Until racial integration of the schools in the 1960s,
African-American students attended separate schools At ZHS the leadership during this tumultuous
time of integration was provided by Raymond Stewart. Undoubtedly
Ray’s strength of character, ability to listen to all viewpoints
and warmth as well as sense of humor were assets. He was not afraid to
deal with controversy and stood for what was right, even when it was
unpopular. Ray’s physical attributes were of importance as
well; Ray was a large man in stature—tall (over 6’5”
and rugged in appearance, analogous to John Wayne) and wielded a
respect from students, parents and stakeholders, not only because of
his intellectual insights but also his physical presence. Students used
to say, they knew when Mr. Stewart walked into a classroom, auditorium
or sports event-that the expectation was to behave, understanding
intuitively that displays of outburst or skirmishes would be dealt with
decisively by Mr. Stewart himself! Zephyrhills was progressive in the school district in its hiring during the early 70’s of Melvin Dennard—the first African-American administrator (serving as Assistant Principal) at ZHS in 1973. Mr. Dennard’s presence and excellent verbal skills and role modeling were helpful during this timeframe when the schools were integrated, and through his leadership and the keen insights of Raymond Stewart, the transition was smooth.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1979Commencement for 206 Seniors Friday in New ZHS Stadium, Zephyrhills News, June 14, 1979The first commencement to be held outdoors in many years will be observed by Zephyrhills High School Friday evening as 206 seniors—the largest graduating class in the school’s history—will march across the stage at the new stadium to accept their diplomas. Plenty of parking will be available, and there is no limit on seating, according to principal Raymond B. Stewart, who said that because the new stadium will seat 1,800 on the home side, it has not been necessary to issue tickets to seniors for family use. For the past three years the commencement has been held in the ZHS commons where the attendance has been estimated from 1,000 to 1,200 last year when the class also was very large. The music will be played by Miss Pam Gore, a junior, but because of the outdoor ceremony, it will be presented via a tape recording. ZHS drew Dr. James Marlowe as the Board Member who will present the diplomas. The Ceremony The Reverend Leonard Stansbury Jr. of the First Christian Church will give the invocation and the first item on the program will be the Salutatorian’s Address by Robert Boyd. Steven Spanger, president of the graduating class, will make his address on behalf of the seniors, following which awards to outstanding graduates will be given. Making the presentation of awards will be Ms. Janet W. Guy, director of the County’s Exceptional Child Program. The Valedictorian’s Address will be delivered by David Deaton with presentation of diplomas by Dr. Marlowe following. He will be assisted by principal, Raymond B. Stewart, and J.C. Steele, chairman. The benediction will be given by the Reverend Lewis Meyer, pastor of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Ushers for the commencement will be Pam Gore, James Delbridge, Beverly Williams, Mickey Farrell, Donna Green, Buddy McConnell, Teresa Huskey, David McCulloch, Tammy Peyton, Tim Wilson, Pam Madl, Raymond LaCour, Tara Green, Maria Spoto, Dena Counts, Sharon Hasting, Laurianne Reed, Sherri Schneider, Mary Judy, Larry Reed, Ron Springfield, and James Govreau. ZHS Graduates 206 Seniors; Many Awards Are Presented, Zephyrhills News, June 21, 1979 The weather was breezy but that cooled the evening and the sunlight in the eyes of parents, relatives and friends was a blessing after an afternoon threat of rain. In short, the setting was just about perfect Friday evening of last week for the first outdoor commencement exercises for a Zephyrhills High School graduating class in many years, and the first ever in the new Bulldog stadium. An estimated 1,700 persons applauded, cheered and shed some tears as the school’s largest class ever, 206 graduates, accepted their diplomas. Young women in the graduating class wore orange robes and mortar boards, while the young men wore black, creating a colorful processional in the school colors. Honor students also wore a yellow satin yolk while all girl graduates were presented white roses to wear. As a new touch this year the processional was led by three members of the band flag corps with Diane Willoughby carrying the American flag and with Cheryl Flack and Teresa Hood carrying band flags. At the start of the program for the salute to the flag Miss Willoughby advanced the colors onto the running track near the stage, while during the diploma presentation, Miss Hood and Miss Flack crossed their flags to create an arch through which the graduates passed on their way to accept their reward for four years of study. Awards Winners A feature of commencement each year is the presentation of special awards, and this year these were called out by Ms. Janet F. Guy, director of the exceptional student education program for Pasco County Schools. The valedictorian award was presented to David Deaton and Salutatorian award to Robert Boyd. Awarded as surprises were: Activities—Karen Lynne Holt and Robert Shane Forrester; Most School Spirit—Estella Diane Kennedy and Dwayne M. Lane; Citizenship –Julie Diane Hasting and Robert Boyd; Athletics—Deborah Jean Boyette and Dondi Decosta Ward; and Best All Around—Jone Marie Mills and Steven Edgar Rigini Spanger. Diplomas Presented Music chosen by the seniors was taped and played during the presentation of diplomas. Following the diploma presentation and the speeches by Valedictorian Deaton, Salutatorian Boyd and President Steve Spanger, Steele announced to the crowd, “I give you the Class of 1979.” The announcement was greeted by cheers and shouts from the seated graduates, and to cap off their enthusiasm one of their number tossed a string of firecrackers out onto the football field behind the seats. Then, as the processional beneath the south goalposts the seniors gathered in a crowd awaiting a signal, at which many threw their graduation hats high into the air, and then scrambled in an attempt to find their own hats again. Thirty minutes after the ceremony had ended there was still a crowd of seniors on the field, saying goodbyes, kissing and crying. Valedictorian’s Speech by David Deaton Parents, relatives, guests, teachers and fellow students: “Today is a solemn occasion. After 12 years of hard work, we, the students have reached the zenith of our life, so far; our senior year and graduation. But is this the apex or our lives? Where are we going from here? What are we going to do and who are we going to become? Sure, times have been great! The memories come rolling back—football games, school dances, parties. But are we content to live on our memories? Or will we grasp for the inner stellar mysteries of our universe? I urge you to make something of yourselves. We are the future leaders of the world. The world is depending on us, but also we have to depend on ourselves. Think about what contributions you can make to society, then go and make them. Don’t take a lackadaisical attitude and say, “What can I –just one person do? Or It’s not my job.” If everybody took that viewpoint, where would we be today? We would still be in caves. America achieved its greatness because of hard work, determination, ambition and patriotism. And it will remain great if and only if we continue to strive in that vein. We are the best students to graduate from good ole ZHS. We are the best trained and the best educated. We owe these advantages to our teachers, coaches and parents. I would like to thank them, and would like all the teachers to stand up. Thank you. Now would all the parents stand, since they gave us these opportunities. Let’s give them a hand. But this training won’t do us any good if we don’t use it. Funnel your energy in useful directions. Use your drive and ambition to achieve your dreams. Become what you want to be. I know you are a captive audience and probably could care less what any of us say. You’re only interested in getting your diploma and splitting. But before you leave I would like you to remember this. The most important things in life are: to realize your goals, to have a sense of purpose, and to obtain happiness. Not to be a ditch-digger with an outlook lower than a snake’s navel. Thank you for your attention. Good luck and have fun, but don’t kill yourselves tonight! Salutatorian’s Talk by Robert Boyd Education is hard to define. We go to school to get an education and when we receive diplomas we say we are educated. To some people education is a learning of facts and definitions and meanings of words. To some it is the three R’s—Riting, Reading and Rithmetic. Others say education is gaining knowledge. I think we will all agree one becomes educated by using his mind so some people say that the real test of an educational process is how well it develops the student’s mind in his ability to think clearly. Suppose someone is taught untruths as facts. This is done quite often by teachers unknowingly. The students then write the false information as answers on tests and receive diplomas. Are they educated? In the 15th century students were taught that the sun and all the heavenly bodies revolved around the earth which was said to be the center of the universe. Galileo had acquired a telescope which had recently been invented by Copernicus, a fellow scientist. By using his new telescope he decided the sun was the center of the universe and began to teach this. This caused quite an uproar and Galileo was brought into court and the judge sentenced him to death if he kept on teaching that the planets revolved around the sun. Galileo wanted to live so he stopped his teachings. It seems to me education is more than learning facts and definitions which may or may not be true. I prefer this definition of education. It is a process of gaining knowledge and developing the ability to think so that the knowledge gained is used to help people work together so that all people will have a better life. I consider the academic training in Zephyrhills to be quite satisfactory and on behalf of the senior class I want to thank all those administrators and teachers who are dedicated to the teaching profession and who sacrificed money as well as extra time to teach us. We hope we will justify your efforts and time which you spent on our behalf. Part of this education is also learning to get along with your fellow students. This ability is not only learned in the classroom, but in activities, and this is a great asset to being successful in life. One of my outstanding educational experiences I remember was when I played junior high basketball. I remember the 8th grade team as the year of the girls. That’s right, we had girls on our team and the girls got more playing time than I did. That was hard to take. But the parents who were really angry were the parents of the boys who did not make the team because the girls took their place. I also played my senior year on the high school basketball team. I didn’t have to worry about girls taking my place then because they had their own team. Coach Reed was dedicated to winning basketball and it was a good experience to be coached by him. In closing I would like to challenge each and every member of the senior class of 1979 to take this education they have acquired the last 12 years and to go out and strive for the highest possible goals they have set for themselves, and may they never cease to strive for those goals. Thank you. President’s Talk by Steven Spanger Parents, Guests and fellow students. We, the graduates of 1979, are this year’s contribution to the future. We have learned the elements of the past and we have learned as the chemists, must take the best of those elements to form the compound of which the future will be composed. Zephyrhills High School has been our nurturing ground. The academic studies are only 50% of the learning process. The people we’ve met, the experiences, and ideas we have formed are so important because they will dictate how we react to situations later on in life. The roles that we play and the direction we take add to the self image we have of ourselves as people. In high school we should have formed a basic concept of who we are, what direction we are headed, and where we fit in society….. Commencement Program printed in Zephyrhills News, June 14, 1979 Zephyrhills High School Stadium, Friday, June 15, 1979 Organ Prelude—Miss Pam Gore Processional—“Pomp and Circumstance” Invocation—The Reverend Leonard Stansbury, Jr. Address by the Salutatorian—Robert Boyd Address by the Class President—Steven Spanger Presentation of Awards—Ms. Janet Fogy, Director of Pasco County Exceptional Student Education Address by the Valedictorian—David Deaton Presentation of Diplomas—Dr. James Marlow, School Board Member assisted by Raymond B. Stewart, Principal Benediction—The Reverend Lewis Meyer, Pastor of Christian & Missionary Church Recessional—“March of the Priests” Class Officers—Steve Spanger, President; Darlene Roman, Vice-President; Lynda Furney, Secretary; and Kathy Malmquist, Treasurer Sponsors—Mr. David Camper, Miss Sue Croley, Mr. Harry Mortner, Mrs. Jessie Puggelli, Mr. Ernest Wise, Mrs. Gail Reynolds, Mr. J.C. Steele, and Mrs. Terry Turner. Baccalaureate Is Sunday For 206 Graduating ZHS Seniors, Zephyrhills News, June 7, 1979 The baccalaureate for the Zephyrhills High School graduating class will be at the First Baptist Church of Zephyrhills Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. A non-denominational church service for the graduating seniors is planned according to school advisor, J.C. Steele. All friends and relatives of the seniors are invited to attend the service, Steele said. The Reverend Henry Thomas, pastor of the First Assembly of God will deliver the message and Dan Benham, First Baptist Music and Youth Director, will issue the benediction. Pam Gore will be the organist and Reverend John Huff, First Baptist Associate, will give the invocation. The Zephyrhills High School Ensemble will present a musical number and Karen Holt, soloist, will present two numbers. Steele said selected members of the sophomore class will serve as ushers during the baccalaureate. Senior Class Salutatorian is Robert Boyd and Valedictorian is David Deaton. The graduation class is the largest graduating class ever. Last year’s class had 188 graduating seniors. Six students will graduate with A honors. Those students are Angela Baker, David Deaton, Norma Jean Mehlhorn, Bonnie Murray, Cynthia Roman, and Kelly Strube in addition to 49 students also graduating with honors. Steele said students are reminded that graduation practice will be held Friday morning. ZHS Grad Named to Air Force Academy, Zephyrhills News, June 7, 1979 The United States Air Force announced this week that an appointment to the Air Force Academy as a member of the Class of 1983 has been extended to Airman First Class James Luke Whitacre, currently a student at the USAF Academy Preparatory School in Colorado. Whitacre, who was salutatorian of the Class of 1977 at Zephyrhills High School, is the son of Raymond E. Whitacre. The appointment is a direct one, not a Senatorial appointment, it was noted. ZHS Distance Runner Signs At Oral Roberts University on Track Grant, Zephyrhills News, April 26, 1979, by Bernard Wickstrom One of the outstanding distance runners in Zephyrhills High School track history has reason for happiness this week. Paul White, who set a new school record for the 2-mile run a few weeks ago, and who also, holds the school 3-mile time record has signed a Letter of Intent with Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he has been offered both track and academic scholarships to attend. The track scholarship will be to run on the Missouri Valley Conference Titans’ cross country team. White was scouted by Oral Roberts University last Thanksgiving when he ran with some Title runners in a national meet at Tulsa. Titan coach Lanny Endicott said, “I look forward to coaching Paul here at Oral Roberts. He is a late comer whose potential far exceeds his current ability, and I predict he will be very competitive nationally by his sophomore year.” By a “Late Comer” Coach Endicott means that White is only now beginning to approach full development as a distance runner. Some high school runners mature early while others “peak” in their early college years, and White appears to be one of the latter the ORU coach says. The ZHS 2-mile record was set two years ago by John Lovette at 10:37 minutes but last year in the District Track Meet, White smashed that mark with a fine 10:23 time. Then two weeks ago at Hernando he blistered the cinders with a sizzling 10:01 while competing against the state champion, Ronnie Treadway of Palmetto, whose state record time is just 10 seconds faster at 9:51. “Our Region is the most competitive in the state with four first four finishers last year, and I will run again against Treadway in both the Regional and State Meet. If I can make it,” White told the News. Asked why he is concentrating on the 2-mile event instead of the mile, in which White also does well, he explained: “I am putting all my cards on the 2-mile because there are three guys in our Region who are definitely faster than me in the mile. My best time is 4:34 and the school record is 4:29.5.” That record was set by ZHS Cross Country Coach Bob Dodd. All Area Team The personable ZHS senior also is interested in helping younger runners on the ZHS track scene and he regards sophomore, Mike Klaus as the hottest prospect coming up. Mike has already run the mile in 4:45 minutes. He needs to set his base for distances, and I predict he maybe will be pushing for state champion by his senior year said White. School Daze by Darlene Roman, Zephyrhills News, May 24, 1979 Graduation is less than a month away and signs of that fact are becoming more and more visible each week….. Grad Night at Walt Disney World, which was last weekend, was an example of this combination of sadness and excitement. Most everyone had a lot of fun from the time they boarded the buses at 8:30 p.m. Saturday until they unloaded the buses early Sunday morning. Jone Mills Earns Golf Scholarship—First ZHS Girl Athlete So Honored, Zephyrhills News, May 24, 1979 The first Zephyrhills High School girl athlete ever to receive an athletic scholarship was announced this week by Troy State University. She will attend that school next fall on a golf scholarship. Jone Mills, who received the Most Valuable Girl Golfer Award at both this year’s and last year’s All-Sports Awards Banquets said, “I’m real excited about getting this scholarship. This is the right move to make; I can work on my game and education at the same time.” Jone, who was voted “Best All Around” by her classmates, said “I learned by watching other people.” She did credit one person, Andra Douglas, a rugby player at Florida State University as having “helped me a lot getting started.” FBLA Contest Winners, Zephyrhills News, February 1, 1979 Among the District 13 contest winners for Future Business Leaders of America Chapter at ZHS were: Kim Trimm, Beverly Williams, Darlene Roman, Lenore Cappuccilli, James Govreau, Brenda Mayne, Pam Madl, Cheryl Ordenes, Debra Sobers, Nancy DeBoe, and Judy Govreau. ZHS Senior Named To Attend Annapolis, Zephyrhills News, May 31, 1979 The appointment of Aaron L. Gray III to the Naval Academy at Annapolis was announced this week by U.S. Senator Richard Stone (D.FL). Gray is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron L. Gray, Jr., of Zephyrhills. He will graduate in June from ZHS where he was a member of the band and president of the Science Club. Gray’s appointment—a 4 year scholarship valued at more than $100,000—is one of about 1,300 that the Naval Academy is expected to make for the 1979-80 school year. He was among more than 800 Florida high school seniors who applied for an interview with a nominating board, composed of community leaders who interviewed 181 students and nominated Gray and 49 others. Bulldogs Surprise Pasco, Zephyrhills News, January 11, 1979 Picture Caption: High Flyer—Zephyrhills Fred Lyle braces for the impact as a high-flying Pasco Pirate, seeking to prevent a basket by Bob Boyd of ZHS. “I’ve had a lot of big wins in my coaching career and I’d have to say this win over Pasco was one of the top three since I’ve been at Zephyrhills,” said Coach Alan Reed. School Daze by Darlene Roman, Zephyrhills News, April 5, 1979 The seven Art Club members who attended this past weekend came back enthusiastically aesthetic. Jennifer Green, Cheryl Rogers, Margaret Fried, Ron Springfield, Leonard Gehrke, Clayton Fritz, and Cheryl Ordenes were so motivated by the experience that the club meeting was just echoing with new ideas. But, as the new ideas came in, some of the old ideas went out. One very “oldie but goodie,” was the “Painting of the Handball Court Project.” It seems that the Art Club had received permission to paint the eyesore last year, but due to their delay, the Boy Scouts had no other alternative than to come to the rescue of good ole’ Zephyr Park. They have already moved in with their cans of paint and have made incredible progress already. Last Thursday that spectacular group of young singers which has sprung from ZHS, “The Great Expectations,” were on the road giving two concerts on the same evening in Dade City. One park in which they sang was gracious enough to treat them to a buffet supper. A very grateful member of the choral group said. “This is the first time this year that anyone cared enough to do that and they weren’t even from Zephyrhills!” You just know that it’s near the end of the school year when the teachers start to publicly promote their programs in hopes of attracting new and interested students. This coming Monday and Wednesday the sophomores and juniors will undergo that yearly ritual called “orientation.” During this process, students become acquainted with and choose their prospective courses for the following year. This is when all the department heads come out in the open and confront students with an outline and goals of their particular course or program. The ZHS Cooperative Program will also be giving a presentation before the students. When the orientation at the high school is completed, orientation will be given at the junior high. All the A or A-B honor roll students for the fourth quarter will be given a cake and punch social today in the cafeteria. The speaker is L.G. Edwards who will give a motivating speech on “The Power of Positive Thinking.”
The 1979 highlight event was undoubtedly the unveiling of the new football stadium. The plaque below which continues to be affixed to the stadium area, lists the many citizens, clubs, foundations, and business partners that contributed the the project:
 Donors’ names that appear on the dedication plaque of the ZHS stadium Contributing Contractors: Bruce Bahr, Ronnie Hill, Jerry Bennett, Bobby Hilton, Danny & Ken Burgess, Jimmy Morton, B.C. & Robert Douglas, Gerald Ripley, Dick Duffield, Nelson Ryman, Arthur “Art” Fish, Sam Surratt, Florida Power Corporation, and Carl Wells; In Memorial: Leroy C. Beddingfield, Lorena M. “Neukie” Neukom, Lee G. & Elsa B. Cass, John C. Partridge, Bill England, Vincent Peel, Del French, Lonnie Skinner, Charles B. & I.A. Krusen, Steve Smith, Woodrow Moore and Mary Ann Hodges Williamson. Officers of ZHS Bulldog Stadium Committee: Lester Bales, Jr., Chairman, Jimmy O. Williams, Vice-Chairman, Alice Hall, Secretary, Billy J. Brooks, Treasurer, and Directors—John F. Clements, William R. Eiland and Robert G. Howell. Contributors: AARP Chapter 191, Jack Eckerd Foundation, Perry & Louise Alston, Hinton B. Edmondson, Dr. & Mrs. E.D. Arnot, Ellis First National Bank, Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel Back, Robert & Frank Farrell, Ron & Edna Bahr, Arthur “Art” Fish, James A. & Patricia Bailey, Flagship Bank of Pasco County, Mr. & Mrs. Lester Bales, Florida Federal Savings & Loan, Bank of Pasco County, Mrs. Peg French, Alan & Ruth Barber, Walter R. & Lola Gall, Ralph & Ruth Barefoot, Owen E. & Anne Gall, Carrie Bassett, Larry & Patricia Bazzell, Nathan & Gail Geiger, Dr. B.S. Bedi, Jerry & Bonnie Geisel, Dr. S.S. Bedi, Alpha S. Gill, Best Western Motel, Fred & Faye Gore, R.G. & Jeanne E. Betts, Green Hills Community Club, Mr. & Mrs. Dan Boan, Alice (Mrs. Melville) Hall, Johanna E. Boylan, Raymond P. Hammond, Billy & Elizabeth Brooks, Rosa Hartman, Rex & Betty Brown, Raymond H. Hodges, Gwendolyn Burns, Bulldog Boosters Club, Zephyrhills Jaycees, C.F. Industries, Inc., Dorothy B. (Mrs. I.A. Krusen, Dr. & Mrs. Wm. C. Chandler, William A. Krusen, Robert & Eleanor Chadwell, Kiwanis Club, Citizens Bank of Pasco, Mr. & Mrs. Jim LaRussa, D. Wayne Clark, Ralph & H.E. “Gene” Lair, John F. & Beanie Clements, Lillian W. Lawrence, Grafton & Ella Cochrane, Don & Vivian Lewis, Clayton & Sandra Craddock, Lions Club, Marion & Ann Crawford, Lois Ann’s Studio of Dance, Larry & Bobbie J. Crosby, Crystal Pure Water Company, Doug & Dora Daniels, Howard & Joann Daughtery, Democratic Club, Nick & Daloris Deren, C. Fred Deuel & Associates, Drs. B. & U. Djokovich, Henry C. & Christine Douglas, Dr. & Mrs. Lewis P. Mann, Frank & Beverly Strout, Rev. and Mrs. Deloss Marken, Sun Press, Inc., Mr. & Mrs. James McGowan, Sunshine State Federal Savings & Loan, Mr. & Mrs. Mel Meengs, Sumner, Tyner, Williams, McKnight & Ross, Rick & Barbara Moore, James C. Swan, Moose Lodge 2276, Donald & Sharon Nelson, Arthur “Art” Tyson, Mr. & Mrs. George A. Neukom, Mr. & Mrs. George A. Neukom, Jr., United Veterans Council, Valleydale Estates, Otto’s Department Store, Ray E. & Leta Vanhorn, Mr. & Mrs. Dale Parker, Charles D. Waller, Pasco County School Board, West Elementary P.T.A., D.A. Pattie & Associates, Karl Wickstrom Memorial Fund, Ernest & Jimmie Peeples, Mr. & Mrs. B.Y. Wickstrom, Mr. & Mrs. Logan Peeples, George & Harriet Wickstrom, Pennsylvania Club, Jimmy D. & Margy Williams, Publix Super Markets, WPAS, Inc., Quail Hollow Elementary PTA, Youth Athletic Association, Ramey Realty, Zephyrhills High School, Mr. & Mrs. Lee Reed, ZHS Band, Bob & Sue Reffit, ZHS Track Fund, Richardson Funeral Home, ZHS DCT Club, Dr. & Mrs. A.M. Riley, ZHS Student Council, Rotary Club, ZHS Alumni Association to honor of Mrs. Warren E. Trottman , Neil & Rita Rucks Dairy, Zephyr Aviation, Inc., Dr. John E. Russell, Zephyr Post 118, American Legion, Mr. & Mrs. David Schneider, Zephyr Unit, 118, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Louis Sellers, Zephyrhills Middle School, Pat & Carol Sheppard, Zephyrhills Ministers Association, Mr. & Mrs. Fred D. Sisk, Zephyr Tones & Tonettes, Cullen Smith, Joseph T. Spoto, Col. & Mrs. H.A. Stewart, and Ray & Shirley Stewart.
Track Field Donors (1976)
ZHS Vocal Ensemble, Zephyrhills News, December 30, 1976 A new vocal group at ZHS this year is a Vocal Ensemble which made its first appearance at the annual Christmas Band Concert and sang last Thursday at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills. Members are: Karen Holt, John Lovette, Tracy St. Onge, Joey Galyan, Vivian Webb, Kathy O’Malley, Earl Paul, Dottie Fraio, Eddie Hicks, Becky Walters, Joan Hyder and David Wolfe, Sound Engineer. The director is Dan Benham. The ensemble will be making other appearances in the community as invited.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1978Girls State Delegate Is Ready for the World, Zephyrhills News, June 29, 1978A Zephyrhills girl went to Tallahassee last week, met state officials, wrote bills for the Legislature and got herself elected to the House of Representatives. A political activist? Not before her participation in the American Legion-sponsored Girls State, but Mona McIntosh is bubbling with enthusiasm about her state and country about government and about people. Many ZHS Students Recognized At Annual Awards Day, Zephyrhills News, June 8, 1978 Patricia Barrentine and Jeff Strout received Zephyrhills High School Service Awards at the annual Academic Awards ceremony last Thursday in the commons area. Principal Raymond B. Stewart presented medallions to Miss Barrentine and Strout in the first of dozens of awards made during the morning affair. Music for the event at the opening and closing was provided by the ZHS Stage Band. Opening ceremonies, including a welcome and introduction of guests, were by members of the National Honor Society. On hand to lead the pledge to the flag was Miss Lucy Mae Knox, American Legion Deputy Chaplain. Miss Knox then introduced the 1978 delegates to Boys and Girls State this summer in Tallahassee: Steve Spanger, Cliff Gehrke, Mark Barclay, Alan Corbin and Mona McIntosh and alternates, Paul White, David Deaton, Bob Boyd, Shane Forrester and Darlene Roman, all juniors. Dr. Jerry Kantzer, provost of Pasco Hernando County‘s east Campus, awarded full tuition scholarships to Bonnie Gray and Arlene Camper. Thor Wickstrom was recognized by Principal Stewart as the school’s outstanding senior and the nominee for Pasco County’s Scholar. He was also presented a State Fair scholarship to Valencia Community College by ZHS Boys Guidance Counselor, William Weiskopf. A $200 scholarship in memory of Mrs. John T.V. (Audrey) Clark, longtime social worker who died this spring, was awarded to Patricia Barrentine by Beverly Dennis of the Gamma Chi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher Sorority. Patty Morrison, President of PHCC’s Phi Beta Lambda, a business honor society, awarded a book-fee scholarship to Willa Bahr in memory of Katherine Pete. Jeff DeWitt was honored with the National Merit Scholarship. Test’s Certificate of Merit and Chet Wyzkowski received applause as a National Merit Test Commended Student. Both presentations were made by Weiskopf. The coveted Danforth “I Dare You” awards were given to seniors, Joyce Cafferty and Bruce Clark. The awards were made by Stanley Kendrick and are chosen by vote of the faculty members. The 32 honor students of the 188-member senior class were recognized in order of their class rank: Valedictorian Lenne′ Hunt, Salutatorian Daniel Deaton, Pat Gill, Chet Wyzykowski, Fred Rhoda, Thor Wickstrom, Linda Ketterer, Myra Smith, John Wallis, Terry Duffield, Debbie Bacon, Cindy Flack, Jeff Strout, Patricia Barrentine, Jeff DeWitt, Ron Wells, Debbie Farmer, Linda Perrone, Theresa Errickson, Ruth Tucker, Beth Melms, Bonnie Gray, Marie Bement, Bruce Clark, Wayne Sholder, LeAnn Brown, Patricia Inman, Beth Strefling, Donna Thomas, James Waddey, Linda Peters, and Cheryl Pelt. Literacy Awards ZHS faculty members Gail Reynolds, Susan Wonder and Kathryn Lowry presented a number of awards for contribution to school publications including: Quill and Scroll Yearbook awards to Arlene Camper, Michelle Hale, Myra Smith, Jeff Strout, and Patricia Barrentine. The Bryn Alan Photography award went to Paul White. Zephilsco Yearbook Appreciation Awards to Angie Baker, Mike Barclay, Allison Camper, Teresa Cicanese, Alan Corbin, Don Deaton, Suzanne Green, Kathy Johnson, Ron Peel, Julie Stansbury, Cyndee Thomas and Dwayne Lane. Quill and Scroll Membership Awards and Pins went to Bulldoger School Newspaper Editor, Thor Wickstrom, and Assistant Editor, Debbie Ramsey. Quill and Scroll Non-member awards went to Dan Deaton, Cliff Gehrke, Julie Hastings, Mary Hossler, Teresa Lovette, Amie Monbarren, Kevin Zieggler, Jeannie Reams, Darlene Roman and Steve Spanger. Echo School Literary Journal awards went to Tammy Crowe, Editor, and Elaine Smith, best written essay, Jayne Harper, best poetry and Jerry Sauls, best art. They were given by Bob Horan, faculty advisor. Zephyrhills Yearbook dedication was given to C. Paul Steuart, band director. In addition humanities honorable awards were given by Mrs. Lara Frederick to Myra Smith, Chet Wyzkowski, Nancy Duffield, Thor Wickstrom, Patty Landreth, Lenne Hunt and Patricia Barrentine. Faculty Awards For the first time in many departments, student recognition and awards were given by the faculty in: Agriculture to Jeff Strout by Bruce Anderson, Ag. Teacher; Architectural Drafting I to Mindy Smith and Architectural Drafting II to Chris Bahr by Teacher, Robert Horan. In Art, Mrs. Judy Mason recognized Thor Wickstrom for honorable mention in the Scholastic Magazine’s art competition and an Art Club check for $100 for use in purchasing art supplies in art school. Business education awards were given to Linda Ketterer as the most outstanding business student by Mrs. Idel Lane. Other business awards were given to Patti Burdge, shorthand I; Linda Ketterer, shorthand II, Kim Helm, typing I; Linda Locke, typing II; Debbie Boyette, typing III; John Wallis, Pat Gill and Norman Graham, accounting; and most improved business student awards to Gloria Ward, Tony Provencal, Becky Benton, Karen Spears, Linda Locke, Tracy Stephens, Beth Crandall and Linda Perrone. Chorus recognition went to Brenda Harding, Debbie McCurdy, Debbie Norman, Joyce Stover, Martha Carnes, Tina Wolf, and Kati Wilson by Mrs. Debra Bailey and to Miss Wilson and Miss Harding as outstanding chorus members and to Mary Ann Hope, Diane Kennedy, Debbie Tee, Karen Holt, Regina Thomas and John Lovett. Drama awards were given by teacher, Dave Camper to Mike Barclay, best actor; Darlene Roman, best actress; Michelle Hale, best supporting performer; Shane Forrester, best backstage technician. Foreign language awards were presented to Mrs. Sandy Golder to Myra Smith in French I and Pamela Gore and Marjukka Valkama in French II and by Mrs. Aleyda Cuevas to Sheri Swan in Spanish I and Pam Peter and Margaret Harrold in Spanish II, with honorable mention to Beverly Williams, Michael Farrell, Donna Sanford, Joseph Cappucilli, Mary Weddington, Laurie Ketterer, Bryan Sholder, Loren Reed, Don Jernstrom, Robert Briggs, and Joey Larussa. Guidance Appreciation awards were given by Stanley Kendrick to Sue Carrigan, Allison Camper, Pat West, Jone Mills, Angie Baker, Julie Stansbury, Marie Bement, Patti Landreth, and in bookkeeping to Robin Winkler, Cheryl Harris and Charlene Winkler. Home Economics Wards were presented by Miss Sue Croley to Esther Miller, Publix Award. The Math awards for highest scores on the annual high school math exam went to Melanie Horton, James Caffee and Aaron Gray and were presented by Math teacher, Ron Mason. Media Center recognitions by Mrs. Betty Hall were given to Mike Barclay, Ron Peel, James Waddey, Steve Spanger, Joe Reed, Tammy Crowe, Jackie DeBoe, Kathy Johnson, John Lovette, Craig Karppe, Celia Schneider, Pat Gill, Greg Hauck, Betty Moore, Kathy Malmquist and Alan Corbin. Science awards were given by Mr. William Boyd to Beverly Williams and Donna Woods in biology and Anna Rochele in general science as well as Aaron Gray and Steve Spanger in Physics. Fred Emery for Science Club; Gwen Roberts, most improved in biology; Sandy Sanders, most improved in general science and Nancy DeBoe, best general science. Social Studies awards went to Rhonda Ferguson and the Hugh O’Brian award was also presented to Rhonda Ferguson by teacher, Tony Demma. In Vocational Studies awards were given to Terry Duffield, outstanding student and state extemporaneous speaker contest winner by J.C. Steele III. National Honor Society awards that were letters for their sweaters were presented by faculty sponsor, Dale Palmer who saluted an all-academic team whose members received straight A’s two out of the first three quarters: freshmen—Kim Van Pelt and Nancy DeBoe; Sophomores—Mickey Farrell, Sharon Hasting, Tracy St. Onge, and Gabby Vincent; juniors—Greg Cowling, David Deaton, Kim Helm, Vicky Hughes, Elaine Smith and Tammy Stewart; and seniors, Debby Bacon, Pat Gill, Lenne Hunt, Beth Melms, Linda Peters, Fred Rhoda, Myra Smith and Chet Wyzykowski. Student Council awards were presented to Karen Holt as the most outstanding member by faculty advisor and math teacher, Jim Bailey. He also awarded five scholarships to Chris Bahr, Jeff DeWitt, Pat Gill, John Wallis and Chet Wyzykowski. Boys Staters learn Politics Exciting and Well Worthwhile, Zephyrhills News, July 20, 1978, by Beverly McNeese, Staff Writer American politics—to some it is a bore, a drag, a waste of time but to four Zephyrhills High School boys, politics is freedom-America. I attended the annual Boys State Convention in Tallahassee where they learned the real meaning of politics, freedom and the privilege of participation in politics. The boys entered into a mock session of city and state election. It was an experience, that doesn’t come along often. Here are the boy’s thoughts of their journey into the political world. By Mike Barclay We arrived at Boys State in Kellum Hall at FSU in Tallahassee which was our home for the week. We received our party tags, shirts and rooms. Each boy shared a room with a member of the opposing party which created many deep discussions about the “better” candidate. My county had more posters up than any other county in the dorm. Sunday was a day of getting acquainted with our imaginary city, Adamsville. Getting to meet people from all over the state was one of the exciting things about Boy’s State. Right away I started campaigning for the office of City Council, which was the right, moves because I won the office and even became Chairman of the City Council which was my highest office. The guidelines were established on Monday. We had our first election in the cities and we broke up into parties and got our Party Whip and nominees for the state offices (I ran for Governor but was defeated within my party). There were also some speakers on Americanism. Later that evening we had a social at the president’s house. Tuesday we elected representatives and senators. Wednesday my party continued campaigning. Thursday we were allowed free time in the new capitol building. There I sat in on the House and Senate meetings, the legislature never seemed so interesting until that day. Thursday night we all went to the auditorium for the election of State offices. My party, the Federalists, with our candidate, David Christian, won the governor’s seat. We got mailing lists for almost everyone in our city. “We will get together sometimes and have a good reunion,” we decided. “That morning I was happy to be on the bus going home and sad to be leaving my new friends and the great city of Adamsonville. By Cliff Gehrke The instant we got off the bus we were met by hopeful candidates for the office of governor or our imaginary 51st state. After getting settled we had our first city meeting. Thee we met the total constituency of our fair city. The City Counselor reviewed the rules with us and after the meeting we went into political parties, the Nationalists and the Federalists. Following a welcome by Director Robert Francis, we continued with city meetings. I was appointed into the city council of Anderson. I learned brotherhood and how politicians operate. During the week we had our pictures taken with our cities, went to the FSU presidents’ home, went to the capitol to use the Senate and House Chambers and was welcomed by Governor Reuben Askew. By Alan Corbin After the first couple of days at Boys State, everything seemed to fall into place and we started enjoying the experience of making new friends, learning the true meaning of Americanism. I loved that Americanism is more than just singing the National Anthem or exploding fireworks on the Fourth of July. Americanism is the dove of America and all that she stands for and is the responsibility of every American to uphold her ideals—loyalty and honestly-to this end. The Boys State government was set up on the three levels: state, county and city. I took part in all of the elections and ran for many of the offices in the city and county. Although I didn’t get elected into an office was appointed deputy of Powton City and attempted to arrest our own police chief and sheriff for sleeping in a General Assembly. On the state level I was elected to the House of Representatives and was able to represent Boys State in the real House at the capitol. By Steve Spanger American Legion Boys State was the rediscovery of the American in America, stressing individual importance and responsibilities in society. It was the broadening of Americanism that no longer limited to the conformist attitude of an American reviewed by many. Instead the fact that we as Americans must broaden the horizons of Americanism, setting the standard by which we are to be judged by others, was evident that Boys State was the American realization. With the boys was Miss Lucy Mae Knox who acted as a counselor for the event. Miss Knox’s Comments Miss Lucy Mae Knox, on the boy’s state staff for the third consecutive year, pointed out that the Legion had some outside help in financing the Boys Staters this year. She said checks were received from Flagship Bank of Pasco and Ellis First National Bank to help with the expenses. “There were 559 great guys there this year,” she said. They were a low key group but high pitched in enthusiasm and desire. Miss Knox told the News she averaged four hours of sleep a night for the week-long activity, but enjoyed every minute of the work as Boy’s State Postmaster. She also served as chairman of the Memorial Service conducted in the House of Representatives. “The service honors former leaders of the Boys State Program as well as all former Boys Staters who have died I the previous year, she said. She was assisted by the two Boy’s states chaplains. Two Boys state delegates are chosen each year to attend Boy’s Nation in Washington, D.C. One of those chosen this year was one of the chaplains. Miss Knox, a longtime leader in American Legion affairs in the state, has been working on Boys State project of 18 years and attended the Boys State graduation for 10 years before being chosen as a counselor.
Presenting Our New Coaches John Blackburn and Carl Summers, by Mary Ann LaRussa, Bulldogger Newsletter, Volume XIII, No IX, 1978
Coach John Blackburn, Head Football Coach for ZHS There’s a promising new figure that has descended upon our high school and community. New from the standpoint he recently arrived from Macon, Georgia, and the promising head coach of our mighty Bulldogs. The man I am referring to is Mr. John Blackburn. The 7th year coach became aware of the opening position of ZHS from a friend of his coaching at Lakeland. He came down to check us out and comments that his feelings of Zephyrhills are, “I love it!” The school’s beautiful, and the athletic facilities will be tremendous one they are completed. I like it all.” His immediate goals are, besides shaping his 1979-80 Bulldogs, to join a church in the community and to settle his wife of 4 years, Sandra. And his twin 19-month old daughters, Allison Leigh and Jessica Elaine into their new surroundings. Mr. Blackburn will begin his 4th year teaching and will be instructing comparative educational math and economics. He states that his main reason for teaching is “because of the kids.” Coach Carl Summers, Assistant Football Coach for ZHS Recently I had the experience of interviewing our new assistant coach, Mr. Carl Summers. Many of you might be familiar with him because of his impressive appearances as a teacher since he came to Zephyrhills from Macon, Georgia. There he was a teacher at Central High School. Mr. Summers intends to make Zephyrhills his home for his wife
and two daughters. He came to Zephyrhills with Mr. Blackburn to
investigate the school; they liked the system and decided to stay. Mr.
Summers’ first impression of ZHS was “Super!” He felt
that, “All faculty and students concerned have a genuine interest
and devotion to all aspects of school and community life.” He
plans on becoming an active member of the community and by his past
record he will be a very welcome addition. Coach Summers has been
involved with the Lions Club, American Legion, Jaycees, Kiwanis and
VFW. He was a scout master and also the youth director of his church.
Mr. Summers was in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam where he
received 2 Silver Stars and a Purple Heart.
ZHS Graduates 188 Seniors; Many Awards Are Presented, Zephyrhills News, June 15, 1978 Because it was the largest class ever graduated at Zephyrhills High School at 188 seniors, even with a limit of two tickets per senior there was standing room only for Commencement Tuesday night. Packet into the commons area and sweltering as normally adequate air conditioners attempted to overcome the heat given by the press of humanity, students and citizens still enjoyed yet another colorful, eye-dewing and moving graduation exercise. Previous largest class was 163 seniors in 1975. Last year’s at 159 seniors is now the third largest ever. With an estimated 1,100 seats in place for the diploma-awarding, and with standing room only, school custodians believe this year’s throng was even larger than last year, and is figured at about 1,300 persons. Although the ceremony did not begin with the traditional processional until 8 p.m., there was a line of parents at the Zephyrhills High School front doors when the doors were unlocked at 6 p.m. and by 7 p.m. almost every seat reserved for parents was filled. Miss Mary Giella, Assistant Superintendent and Jay B. Starkey, School Board Member, were on hand to assist with the ceremony. Starkey presented the diplomas as they were handed to him by Principal Raymond B. Stewart, and as J.C. Steele III, faculty commencement chairperson, called out the names of the senior. Miss Giella turned tassels as the graduates left the stage. Others present on the platform were the Reverend Louis Meyer, pastor of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, who gave both the invocation and the benediction to the Commencement. Guests were introduced by Steele. Speakers on the program were Chris Bahr, president of the Class of 1978, Lenne′ Hunt, Class Valedictorian and Daniel Deaton, Class Salutatorian. Honor grads were presented by Miss Giella as follows: Citizenship—Lenne′ Hunt and Bruce Clark; School Spirit—Trish Inman and Fred Rhoda; Activities—Patricia Barrentine and Jeff Strout; Athletics—Sheryl Arnold and Shawn Regan; Best All-Around—Patti Landreth and Thor Wickstrom. Ivan Corbin, acting on behalf of the Karl Y. Wickstrom family of Miami, presented a Leadership and Friendship Plaque and a check for $100 to Patti Landreth as the senior who though those traits most honored the memory of Karl G. Wickstrom, a ZHS senior when he was killed in a car-bicycle accident in July of 1972. Corbin was last year’s winner of the award. Organist for the processional led by Miss Hunt and Mr. Deaton was Mrs. Marjorie Mead. Ushers were members of the junior class and included Cindy Dann, Lynda Furney, Karen Holt, Jone Mills, Darlene Roman, Vilna Simmon, Mike Barclay, Bob Boyd, Alan Corbin, Mark Rickard, Steve Spanger, and Paul White. As an interesting sidelight to this year’s Commencement, a local Boy Scout official pointed out that while the national average is one Eagle Scout to every 300 Boy Scouts, the Class of 1978 has as members six Eagle Scouts. They are Homer E. Brooks, III, Bruce W. Clark, Jeffrey A. DeWitt, Willie T. Quick, Jr., Michael Schaffner and James K. Waddey. Valedictorian’s Speech by Lenne′ Hunt Honored Guests, members of the faculty, fellow students, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I would like to take this time to thank my parents, family and friends who have inspired as well as encouraged me during these formative years. Without the love and guidance of all of these, and especially my parents, members such as this would not be possible. Today marks an ending and a beginning. The time has come for us to put away our dolls and batman capes and look ahead to new responsibilities. We’ve come through a learning stage and now must test that knowledge. We must now see how wise we are and how much we have yet to learn. Senior year has provided a time for us to get acquainted with ourselves, our hopes, our dreams, abilities and limits. It is the final stage in preparing us to live independently within our world. Many of us are uncertain as to what the future holds, or even where we should go to find our future. But we do know who we are and what we stand for and with this knowledge we will see our hopes survive. Each of us must find the truth that we can live by, that will sustain us. Forging ahead, we must leave the secure familiarity of our memories, while striving to reach the goals we have set. Much can be learned from past experiences, but we cannot live in the past. Once truth is learned it must be applied to our future. From here we are starting anew. The world awaiting us is in need of newness and freshness. In the Bible a wise man of old once said, let no man despise your youth, but be an example in the way that you live. Wisdom is the quality of being wise, the practice of truth. For us to cope with our responsibilities, we must have wisdom. It is easy to look beside us and see others who aren’t taking their responsibility seriously, and tragic to see the end result of these lives. It is far more difficult to assume responsibility ourselves. Wisdom doesn’t exclude happiness. It doesn’t call for us to take on the burdens of the world. It does, however, help to attain peace within ourself. Having attained peace within, let us make our wisdom work to help someone else. Our world seems to be deteriorating rapidly. There is more and more hatred and mistrust. This is why we must let wisdom, include kindness and love. Perhaps it is foolish to think that we can instigate changes for the better, but we might keep o hoping and working for that change. The world has to be different because we have lived. I’m not sure that I’m totally ready to accept new responsibility but I must at least try, as must we all. If there is one hope I could give to you or one goal to strive for, it would be this—that each of us would learn wisdom and with it kindness, and with that wisdom we’ll work together to make our world better, happier and more at peace. Whatever your goals, I wish you all the best that life has to offer, and may God bless you. Thank you. Salutatorian’s Address by Daniel Deaton In 1968, a young American entered the Summer Olympics in the swimming competition. Since he had prepared a good bit, he was expected to do quite well. Unfortunately he received only one bronze medal, which was a rather disappointing showing. He almost gave up swimming after those Olympics, but he decided to give it one more try. He set a goal to come in first place in every race he swam in. He committed himself to that goal, and worked very hard in his efforts to reach it. He was determined to win those gold medals. In 1972 Olympics, Mark Spitz won every event he swam in, for a total of seven gold medals. No one had ever done it before. Mark Spitz was a winner, but he didn’t become number one overnight. He had a real desire to win, and he paid the high price that was necessary to become a world champion by giving it everything he had. Whether we realize it or not, each of us can be a winner in life! What does this involve? Part of being a winner is having the right goals, for without something to work toward, we wouldn’t accomplish anything. Our high school days are over now, and in the next few months, we have a lot of life-changing decisions to make. We have to decide where to go to college or get a job, where we want to live and who we will marry. All of these decisions are determined by our goals and what we want to accomplish in life. What do you really want to get out of life? Are you satisfied with the direction in which your life is going? If not, now is the time to change it. Another real key to being a winner in life is having a good personality. When we’re dead and gone, people won’t remember us by how much money we had, or by how popular we were. They will remember us by the kind of people we were. All of us have our good points and bad points. And all of us have room for improvement. Some qualities of a good personality that we can develop are honesty, kindness, friendliness, respect for others and having strong moral character. Being optimistic and being able to find something to compliment others about is an excellent quality to have. I need to work on this myself. These qualities will help you become a person others will enjoy being around and will make you genuinely popular. We are participating in the greatest game we will ever play, the game of LIFE. In this game, the stakes are eternal life and death. You only get one chance (one series of downs) to score. The plays you call, the decisions and choices you make determine whether you gain the victory or suffer the defeat. As in any game, there is a high price to pay to be a winner. It requires a strong commitment to Jesus Christ and the high ideals He has set before us. We must deny self and put Christ and others before ourselves. Along with the high price you pay to be a winner goes a great reward. It includes lasting happiness and peace as you move toward the goal line, knowing you’re going to win. And when you reach the goal life, in the game of life, your reward is an eternal one, instead of one temporary fame. Anybody can be a loser. It takes no effort to lose. However there is still a high price that you will pay as a result of your choice not to be a winner. For as the winner triumphs, the loser suffers in defeat and embarrassment. Bet we’re not alone in this game; God wants to help us if we’ll only let Him. He’s in the business of making winners out of losers, and if God is on our side who can be against us? But in this game, the plays you call are up to you. You can choose to pay the price now and enjoy the rewards of winning, or take it easy now and miss out on real life and suffer the consequences later. You’ll pay a high price either way; why not be a winner? When the game of life is over, and God, the referee with the final say, makes His judgment, will you be a winner of a loser? Try God’s wan and be a winner! Class President’s Talk-Chris Bahr We the seniors of 1978 would like to thank you, the parents, teachers and guests for coming to witness our success. I’d like to extend an exceptionally warm welcome to the parents and teachers, for they are a part of our success. To the parents who created us, loved us, and helped us, may I say, “Thank You.” I know all of my fellow students have thought of what they are going to do for the rest of their lives. Many have not decided. Whatever is in the future, it is the job that is most important. For the kind of job we get will determine the lifestyle we will live. To be happy in what we do is a measure of success more than the money we can make. A happy ditch digger can be a success just as much as the president can. The only job benefiting all of you is the best job you can possible get and want. The way to achieve this is to do the best that you can. Some of us will choose college to further our education and knowledge while others will go on to other fields. The temptation of having a once-in-a-lifetime party every evening at college is not the way to do the best you can. Not studying in college is a waste of time and money. Take the case of two college juniors. After yawning one said, “What shall we do tonight?” “Let’s toss a coin and decide,” replied the other. “If it’s tails, we’ll call on Rosie and Susie, and if it’s heads, we’ll study.” Self-discipline is the key to being a success in college and afterwards. We have a moral responsibility to ourselves and to society to advance our minds to the fullest. Looking back to our freshman year I think (“What A motley crew we were.”). Recognition came when in our sophomore year our homecoming float smoked up the whole town. It’s been great being president of this fine group of friends. I thank you for pulling with me during homecoming, and throughout the year. It’s been the greatest time of my life. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Even though we will all go separate ways, we all know our class reunions will be fun and something to look forward to. In closing I would like to leave you with this poem—“The best verse hasn’t been rhymed yet. The best house hasn’t been planned. The highest peak hasn’t been climbed yet. The mightiest rivers aren’t spanned. Don’t worry and fret, faint-hearted. The chances have just begun. For the best jobs, haven’t been started. The best work hasn’t been done.” Renninger To Direct New School; Cox Elementary Assistant New West Head, Zephyrhills News, February 3, 1978 West Zephyrhills Elementary School Principal, Ferd E. Renninger, will be the first principal for the new elementary school now being built west of Zephyrhills High School. Renninger has had 20 years of experience in education, 15 of them in Zephyrhills in administration. He came in 1962 from Lakeland. The new principal for West Zephyrhills Elementary…will be Louis Freijo. Freijo is certified in elementary administration and has been employed by the Pasco County system for the past seven years. Girl Golfers Finish 3rd In District Tourney, Zephyrhills News, April 27, 1978 While the Zephyrhills High School girl’s golf team had a terrific season record with 10 victories and only four losses, some of the team’s players will be completing in the State Finals. That’s because in the District Tournament at Cypress Woods course near Winter Haven Tuesday afternoon, the ZHS girls finished third behind two powerful big school teams. And the finish was very close. “Just a few strokes could have made a big difference”—Coach Madonna Jervis Wise said. Winter Haven won the meet, on its home course with a 396 total, while Lakeland Kathleen came in second with a 409. Just three strokes behind at 412, were the ZHS girls. Zephyrhills won the District Meet last season, although the team’s 1977 season record was not as good. Jone Mills, with a score of 95, was the fifth high individual of the District Meet, and was presented a special award. Other Bulldog golf girls included Melanie Bahr with a 194; Celia Schneider with a 105; Cheryl Pelt with a 107 and Pam Peter with a 120.
A Memorial to a Memorial, by Cindy Roman from Bulldogger Student Newsletter, Volume XIII, No. 4, Homecoming, 1978 Nineteen-seventy-eight marks the last year for football games at Krusen Memorial Field. As the new stadium takes over, Krusen will be retired as a football field. Although almost everyone know where and what Krusen Field is, few people know the history of the field. World War II marked the time period when the field took on the job as an air base for a fighter squadron. After passing through many hands, the city to the government for war and back again (Krusen’s didn’t donate that land, it was some other land nearby)-the city took it over. Being a small town many years ago, the now middle school housed the Zephyrhills students from grades 1-12 with ease. Football games in this rural town were played at a small field near Krusen Field in the afternoon because there were no lights to play under at night, But Zephyrhills was to grow and a new field was added to accommodate the many fans. About the year 1955, the Quarterback Club was organized. This group of people worked in cooperation with the city to build a new field since the old one had been outgrown. Arguments were made that the city would own the property and take care of it, but problems arose with this set-up. Leaving the field to the school board for a dollar a year was the answer. The school board agreed to pay the expenses of operating the field. So many people, groups, clubs and businesses were (and are) involved with the development of Krusen Field. To start work on the field the county donated the use of their equipment; there was much fill work to be done. The scoreboard was donated by the Bank of Zephyrhills; the lights set up by Florida Power Company, the fence, the restrooms and now the electricity bills were footed by the city. The Pepsi-Cola Company also contributed by building the concession stand if Pepsi was to be patronized for a certain length of time. The Quarterback Club, who runs the stand (in cooperating with the fans), then raised money to purchase new bleachers for the field. Few people realize the cost of the stands; each part of them cost around $14,000. Many businessmen helped by writing repayable notes to purchase different sections. The new field was dedicated to Charles B. Krusen, son of Mr. And Mrs. I.A. Krusen, in about 1955. The choice of Charles B. Krusen was done for a young man about 21 who died about 1945. Being a small town, the old favorite was chosen by the Quarterback Club. The life of Krusen Field from 1955 when it was conceived to 1960 when the first stands were finished, to its retirement is recognized as one filled with many events. December 3rd marks the day when the new stadium, its successor, will be opened for public inspection. Krusen Field will be retired as a recreation field for baseball, softball, soccer and other sports. The old field will be “put out to pasture.” No matter what the field will be when the stadium takes over, it will never become outdated or useless. Many people will retrace memories of great wins and tragic losses, of good times and bad. Parts of Krusen will live on as old home bleachers are moved to the new stadium for visitor bleachers. Even though Bulldog football games won’t be played there any longer, other games will-Charles B. Krusen Memorial Field serves its community well.
Commencement for 188 Seniors Tuesday in ZHS Commons Area, Zephyrhills News, June 8, 1978 Members of the largest Zephyrhills High school graduating class ever enrolled will receive diplomas in formal exercise Tuesday at 8 p.m. The 188 listed seniors—including 22 honor students—will be presented their recognition of completion of their high school education in the student commons area of the school, located at 1975 12th street. As they have the past three years, graduates and parents alike will enjoy air conditioned comfort rather than the sweltering heat of the gymnasium. But in a marked change from past years, graduates will not receive awards from Pasco Schools Superintendent Tom Weightman; in fact only two county officials—Assistant Mary Giella and School Board Member, Jay Starkey, will be on hand to congratulate ZHS graduate. Graduation ceremonies will begin Tuesday evening with Mrs. Marjorie Mead’s organ prelude. The Reverend Louis Meyer, pastor of Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, will give the invocation, after which guests will be introduced by J.C. Steele III, one of the seven class sponsors and commencement chairman. Following the presentation of awards Lenne Hunt will make her valedictorian address just before the awarding of the diplomas by Starkey and Stewart. Picture Caption with article—Presented scholarships at the Awards Day ceremony at ZHS were three girls: Arlene Camper and Bonnie Gray, winners of Pasco-Hernando Community College full-tuition scholarships and Patricia Barrentine, winner of the Alpha Delta Kappa “Audrey Clark” Memorial Scholarship grant. Three ZHS Art Students Win Honors In Big Area Exhibit, Zephyrhills News It was a happy day for three Zephyrhills High School art students for their parents and friends—but it was an especially rewarding day for Mrs. Judy Mason, ZHS art teacher. The trio of students had been named among the major winners in the Tampa Bay Regional Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition, a feat which Mrs. Mason modestly credits to “the overall art program in elementary and junior high here as well as high school.” But those who know best about the dedication to teaching in her chosen field shown by Mrs. Mason, her three prize-winning students, say a lion’s share of the credit for their accomplishment should go to Judy Mason. Of the three winners, one is only a junior. She is Cheryl Ordenes, whose pencil portrait of a young girl won a Gold Key Award, the highest of the regional awards. The other two are seniors. Patti Landreth’s pencil portrait of a young woman was named a Blue Ribbon Finalist, and after March 4, will be sent to New York City for national judging. The big winner and in fact the dominate painter in the exhibition is Thor Wickstrom, who walked off with seven awards, including having his portfolio be the only one selected for national judging in April for a possible scholarship to one of the nation’s major art schools. The Scholastic Art Exhibition will continue on the main floor of Robinson’s Department Store at the University Square Mall, Tampa, through March 4. Sponsored nationally by Scholastic magazine and locally the past two years by Robinson’s the competition includes drawings, graphics, paintings, photographs, sculpture and ceramics. The University Square show includes work by Students from more than 20 high schools in Hillsborough, Polk, and Pasco Counties. The 17-year old Wickstrom—whose name is recognized by the News’ readers for the cartoons he has drawn over the past two years for these pages—won the following in the competition:
“We have need for growth here in the high school, but there are
no art teachers in our elementary schools now, and none at the junior
high level. They say there is not enough money to fund the units for
art,” Mrs. Mason said. “But I believe all of our
students have benefited from the strong overall art program we used to
have—at all levels,” she said.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1977ZHS Senior Scott Boyd—Pasco County ‘Student of the Year,’ Zephyrhills News, June 9, 1977Scott Boyd, Zephyrhills High School senior, who has been given an appointment to West Point Military Academy, Tuesday, was honored by the Pasco County School Board as the 1977 “Student of the Year” for the county. A nominee was presented from each of the county’s five high schools, and a committee of teachers made the selection. Principal Raymond B. Stewart accompanied Boyd to the School Board meeting Tuesday at which the award was presented. The guidance office at ZHS provided the News with a run-down of Boyd’s accomplishments as a student, which qualified him for the county honor. These include: a member of the National Honor Society three years, serving as vice president last year and president this year; president of his class as a sophomore and vice president this year; a Student Council member for all four years of high school, and was named this year’s STAR student. A member of the Agape club, a non-denominational Christian youth group, winner of the Legion Citizenship Award in Junior High School, delegate to Boys State last year and active membership in First Baptist Church. In athletics Boyd played four years of basketball, being selected to the All-Area Team both last season and this year, and was Most Valuable Player in his sophomore and junior years and was team captain this year. Boyd, son of Mr. and Mrs. William R. Boyd, also is this year’s class valedictorian. ZHS Graduates 159 Seniors; Many Awards Are Presented, Zephyrhills News, June 30, 1977 Virtually every seat was taken in the student commons area of Zephyrhills High School Thursday night as 159 seniors—the second largest class ever, behind 1975’s 163-member class—were awarded their diplomas. Almost 1,000 seats had been placed for the ceremony, and counting more than 100 standees, school custodians estimated the crowd at well over 1,200 friends, relatives and graduates. The school’s air conditioning system labored in vain to cool the giant crowd on a hot, weltering evening made even more unbearable by the fact the ceremony began at 6 p.m. before things outdoors had a chance to cool down. Mrs. Agnes Deal, Richard Sherwood and Jay B. Starkey, School Board Members, each took a turn presenting diplomas, assisted by Principal Raymond B. Stewart and J.C. Steele, faculty commencement chairperson, who also was emcee and introduced guests. Tassels were turned by Miss Kathy Edwards, assisted by Dr. James Marlow, both School Board Members. Principal Stewart congratulated the seniors on their accomplishments in the four years they attended the school. Stewart commented that times had been tough for them because of 45-15. He said, “We will not miss 45-15 but we will miss this class. Others presented on the platform were the Reverend J.H. Olmstad, vicar of the St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, who gave the invocation and benediction and Superintendent of Schools, Thomas E. Weightman who announced the names of winners of special awards. Three addresses on the program were those of Senior Class President Miller Newton III, Valedictorian Scott Boyd and Salutatorian, James Whitacre. Presented the annual awards by Superintendent Weightman were: Citizenship—Marie Kretschmar and James Whitacre; Most Athletic—Andra Douglas and Wendell Maples; School Spirit—Judy Cowling and Lavern Renninger; Activities—Jo Ann Hyder and Ivan Corbinl; Best All-Around—Marta Meengs and Scott Boyd; Scholarship—Scott Boyd and James Whitacre. Charles Back acting on behalf of the Karl Y. Wickstrom family of Miami, presented a Leadership and Friendship plaque and a check for $100 to Ivan Corbin as the senior who through those traits most honored the memory of Karl G. Wickstron, a ZHS senior when he was killed in a car-bicycle accident in July of 1972. Back was last year’s winner of the award. Organist for the processional led by Boyd and Miss Kathy Simcoe was Ray McLellan. Ushers were members of the junior class and included: Trish Inman, Patty Landreth, Julie Shultz, Cindy Flack, Donna Reiter, Chris Bahr, Fred Rhoda, Argon Roberts, Donald Piat and Thor Wickstrom Valedictory Address by Scott Boyd In his address on behalf of his class, Valedictorian Scott Boyd said: “Tonight it is my responsibility to deliver a speech to you, the graduating senior class of Zephyrhills High School. Instead I am going to substitute a speech that far excels any speech I could give. “I was asked to present to you a worthwhile cause to challenge you, as members of the senior class, to action. This speech challenges not only the senior class but all senior classes—those now past and those to come. “I was also requested to lead each or you to dedicate your lives to a worthy cause—this speech requires all of us full unlimited dedication to a cause for which thousands have died. “To those who listened to this speech when it was first spoken and to those who have read or heard it spoken since, it always leads them to a deep love of their country and develops a great patriotic enthusiasm in them. It finally causes one to realize that the purpose of our abilities is to devote them to the support of the very essence of America. “That date the speech was presented was on November 19, 1863. The place was a small hilltop in northern Pennsylvania. Its original purpose was to dedicate a burial ground for fallen soldiers. The man giving it was Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States. It was later titled, “The Gettysburg Address.” “As President Lincoln approached the podium a slight applause was heard, then silence overtook the crowd as he slowly unfolded two seemingly insignificant pieces of paper. He then began… “Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation conceived in liberty and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who have given their lives that that nation might life. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. ”But in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hollow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or distract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last fl measure of devotion—that we dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth in freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” I hope that we, as graduates can contribute to a world where all the ideals expressed by President Lincoln can become a reality for all Americans,” the Valedictorian concluded. Salutatorian’s Talk by James Whitacre In his address entitled, “Where Do We Go From Here?” James Whitacre said: “Where Do We Go From Here? That seems to be the big question on the minds of those of us who are graduating this year. Walking down the halls you hear students asking each other questions such as, “What are you going to do now? Or What’s left for us to do, everything has already been done? I’ve heard many of the students talking about the uncertainties of the future they feel that their education won’t make any difference. “They remind me of the little boy in third grade when his teacher said, ‘Johnny, if I had six apples and took away four, what’s the difference? He said, “That’s what I always say, who cares anyhow.” I remember hearing My Dad talking about his graduation. It was during the Great Depression. They had the same thoughts and said the same things then that we are saying now. But since he graduated, TV has been invented, electronics and computerization have been introduced and the once thought impossible feat of reaching the moon has been achieved. Transportation and housing have been made available to the masses. Incomes have increased along with the standard of living. Noted advancements have been made in a wide variety of fields from medicine to education. They survived wars, internal upheavals and even Watergate. “We will see even greater changes during these next fifty years. We have but scratched the surface, not only in the sciences but in the humanities and man’s relationship with h is fellow man. “Yes, we will have to solve our energy problem, the world’s food shortage, and man’s ability to live together and enjoy life to the fullest. “We can play an important part in our future by preparing ourselves properly. Some of us will take the next steps towards that goal by enrolling in college or trade schools. Others will enter into governmental service, either as a civilian or in the military. Some will go directly into the business world, while many will carry on important jobs in the field of agriculture. “Let’s try to remember as we go out into the world that no matter which field we choose we must continue to increase our knowledge in our chosen field and after we have this knowledge we must put it to work if we expect to be successful. “How Successful? That depends on how high we set our goals. The higher the goal the more knowledge we will need and the harder we must work. The knowledge we have will determine our degree of success. Yes, knowledge is a must. It is something that we can’t buy. We can’t order it through the mail or carry it in our pocket. We must work for it and once we have it we must put it to work if we wish to succeed. “Tom Edison once said, “Genius is 2% knowledge and 98% hard work and that the most successful machine was not necessarily the most expensive or fanciest, but the one that works. “Success, Yes, we can all succeed. How much, how far, how high, depends on our attitude, our knowledge, and our desire to work. “Fifty years from now, the graduating class will have the same fears and uncertainties as we have now. “Let’s not be like the boy who took his report card home with very poor grades on it. His Dad said, ‘Son, what have you got to say about this?’ He said, ‘Well, Dad, at least you know I didn’t cheat.’ “Let’s not worry about it because they too, will learn that as long as America keeps alive, both morally and spiritually the desires that have made her great, there will always be new goals to set, new horizons to cross over, and the discovery of new wonders. “So, let’s smile as we receive our diplomas knowing that we can face the future with all its problems, and thank the Lord that we live in a country, like America, where we can do something about it.” President’s Remarks by Miller Newton, III Speaking to the Class of 1977, when he has served the past year as president, Miller Newton III said: “The time of graduation is here. It is a time when many profound remarks about our future, our obligations and our challenges are made. “I hesitate to subject you to more heavy thoughts. “I’m sure that in the history of graduation speeches, not many of the words spoken, have been remembered. That sort of gets me off the hook! “Tonight is the last time that we will be together as the Class of 1977. We’ve had our ups and downs. There has been some failure and some glory. There has been some debate and some real action. Through it all, I’ve learned a lot and have really enjoyed working with you….” ZHS Teacher Helps Develop Finance Course, Zephyrhills News, October 20, 1977 Madonna J. Wise, Social Studies Instructor at Zephyrhills High School, is one of 15 teachers in a 12-county area who have developed financial planning teaching services through the University of South Florida. “Survival Training” in personal and family financial planning is becoming available to high school students at USF’s 15-county service area through the series of teaching units developed by the grant-supported USF Task Force on Family Financial Planning. Buying, saving, borrowing, investing and insuring, according to Task Force Director, Dr. Donald Orlosky, can no longer be regarded as “curricular luxuries” or “educational fads.” “Young people on the verge of high school graduation need to prepare themselves for a reality from which they are too often insulated,” he said. “Learning what it means to make it in the real world is not a frill. It’s survival training.” This fall, school districts in Pasco County and the other 14 counties served by USF received copies of the 460-page curriculum guide (11 teaching units) which the Task Force developed over the past two years. Schools in at least 11 of the counties have already implemented at least parts of the guide. Dr. Orlosky said the guide is widely used in Manatee and Sarasota County Schools and Pinellas County is considering adoption of the units. The curriculum guide was developed through the aid of $80,000 in grants from the American Council of Life Insurance. …In addition to Dr. Orlosky, USF faculty members, Dr. Dick Puglisi and Dr. Herb Karl of education and Dr. Hartley Mulish, director of the Center for Economic Education, which cooperated in the project, served on the Task Force. Assisting them were teachers who helped develop and test the units among them Mrs. Wise and teachers from Charlotte, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota Counties. Four ZHS Students Selected for 1979 Boys State in Tallahassee, Zephyrhills News, May 17, 1979 Zephyr Post 118, American Legion, has selected four members of the Zephyrhills High School Junior Class to attend the 1979 session of American-Legion sponsored Boys State in Tallahassee. They include Leonard Orin Gehrke, William Raymond LaCour, Laren Bruce Reed, and Lance Alan Smith.
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Scott Boyd, Part of “Long Gray Line,” To Be Missile Commander, Zephyrhills News, June 11, 1981